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Pupils are returning to school this week following the summer holidays, but what’s the deal with free school meals?

The issue has been in the spotlight in recent years following campaigning from Manchester United and England footballer Marcus Rashford, while Caerphilly County Borough Council received praise for its free school meal provision while Covid restrictions were in place.

So who is eligible for free school meals as we head into the new academic year?

Every pupil in reception and Year 1 is eligible for free school meals in Caerphilly County Borough, with funding coming from the Welsh Government to cover this.

All pupils in Year 2 will become eligible for free school meals by November 7, as will children who are in nursery for both the morning and afternoon sessions.

The staggered rollout of free school meals is to ensure school caterers are able to manage the extra demand placed upon them, according to the council.

Children who already receive free school meals will continue to do so, with information about other age groups set to be announced by the Welsh Government in the coming months.

Pupils in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 are expected to be eligible for free school meals from September next year.

Councillor Carol Andrews, who is the council’s cabinet member for Education, said: “In response to the current rising cost-of-living, this roll-out is a part of the Welsh Government’s commitment to tackle child poverty and to ensure every primary school pupil receives a free school meal by 2024.

“In addition to encouraging healthy eating, this scheme will increase the range of food pupils eat, improve social skills and wellbeing at mealtimes – and lead to improvements to behaviour and attainment.”

Visit the council’s website for more details about free school meals for primary school pupils.